Attorney, girlfriend arrested after fracas in Memphis

A prominent local defense attorney and his girlfriend were arrested in the parking lot of Target on Winchester last week after an incident involving vodka, a loaded gun and a fight, according to police documents.

Coleman Garrett, 70, and Crystal Franklin, 27, were arrested the afternoon of May 24, according to the affidavit. Garrett has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the teacher test-taking scheme as well as representing the widow of slain NBA player Lorenzen Wright.

According to police, the drama began after Garrett called Franklin to meet him in that area to get something to eat. When Franklin showed up, she saw another woman with Garrett and got angry, hitting and pushing him, according to police. When officers arrived, they found that Franklin, 43 years younger than Garrett, had him up against the side of his truck, holding his shirt. She was arrested for domestic assault.

When police talked to Garrett, they noted he had glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol. Garrett allegedly told police he'd driven himself to the parking lot. Garrett refused to submit to either Breathalyzer or field-sobriety tests, according to the affidavit. Officers found that his car was still running with the driver's door open. They found a handgun in the back seat and a large, empty bottle of Belvedere vodka. Garrett has a legal handgun carry permit.

He was initially arrested for DUI, refusing to submit to the sobriety tests and having a handgun while under the influence, although the weapon charge appears to have been deleted.